After the cerveza boom of late 2023, you might be wondering what’s next and Beer Fontaine might just have the answer. Pouring the colour of iced tea, Cerveza Oscura is a "Mexican style amber lager" featuring a Mexican yeast. At 5.3 percent ABV it comes off much bolder and punchier than your typical pale Mexi-lager while maintaining a crisp profile. A combination of Pilsner, Munich, Vienna and Carafa malts provide a deep and almost chewy depth of flavour yet this is a beer that can still be knocked back with ease.
On the other side of the peso is Rose Noire Whisky Barrel Imperial Stout, clocking in at a daunting 10.5 percent ABV. Relievably dark in colour, Rose Noire boasts fragrances of dark choc, espresso and even a bit of cola. A luxurious first sip tastes like a rather unconventional bowl of chocolate ice cream spiked with whisky. You could serve this in cocktail bars, call it an Espresso Negroni and people would pay good money for it.
Finishing off the trio is You Make Everything Groovy Wild Saison. Due to the sheer quantity and variety they produce, Fontaine have become something of a go-to for saisons among Sydney breweries. After some time in egg fermenters and barrels, You Make Everything Groovy comes out absolutely swinging with notes of orange juice, balsamic vinegar and quince cider. The Motueka hops and pilsner malts dial up the complexity of this pretty intense saison that may well warrant setting aside for ageing over the next couple of years.
Benedict Kennedy-Cox
Published June 1, 2024 2024-06-01 00:00:00
